WOMEN'S FUND March 2018 E-NEWS
Women's Philanthropy Forum Inspires 
Guests to Live  "Life On Purpose"

On March 8, the Women's Fund celebrated International Women's day with 120 friends at the Women's Philanthropy Forum. Guests heard from Dr. Christine Whelan about what it means to live "life on purpose" and how you can reach your goals by adopting a purpose mindset. Thank you to all who joined us for an inspiring afternoon!  
What You Have & Where to Find It

New Organizational Tool Available
Getting organized is the first step in preparing for your financial future. Use this handy tool developed by the Women's Fund to track important documents, policies  and  people. Should anything happen  you, this sheet will help the people closest to you know  

If you would like to leave a legacy to benefit the women and girls in Northeast Wisconsin, we can help! Contact Becky Boulanger at 920.701-7617 to discuss the ways you can make an impact for generations to come.

Grant Spotlight:  Two-Gen Tech Project Empowers Women with Digital and Financial Literacy Skills
submitted by Lindsey Fox

Grant Award - $12,500 
Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) Even Start Family Literacy Program

The Even Start Family Literacy project helps students earn a high school credential and, in doing so, improves their employability, earning power, and long-term financial security. While their parents attend courses, pre-school aged children attend high-quality programming focused on preparation for kindergarten.

The project has placed personal computers in the homes of 12 students and is allowing them to develop the basic computer skills necessary to access information for their education, opportunities for employment, and resources for teaching their children to be academically successful and safe online.  Surprisingly, most of the adults enrolled in the Even Start program begin their journey without knowing how to turn on a computer, operate a mouse, or use a keyboard.

Susan Hunsader, Lead Instructor for the Even Start project, is at the forefront of the grant work. Susan says, "This program is bigger than computer skills. Not only are these women strengthening their digital and financial literacy, they are building their own self-confidence." By overcoming fears and developing new skills, the 12 women of Even Start are becoming empowered and increasing the probability of future success for their families.
Do Something Day
June 12, 2018 | Grades 8-10 | $75

Do you want help encouraging your child to develop the interests and skills she or he needs to become someone who gives their time, talents and treasures to make the world a better place?

Would you like to provide tools for your child to put their specific idea of giving into action as an active philanthropist?

Do Something Day is the perfect start to learning about philanthropy, our community, and volunteer opportunities in our area. Participants will visit local nonprofits for hands-on activities, receive a $50 charity gift card, and more! Visit our website for registration information and details!

Girls' Grantmaking Project 2018

The Women's Fund welcomed 14 girls from Appleton area high schools for the seventh annual Girls' Grantmaking Project on March 5. 

The girls discussed topics important to them and their peers, including issues and problems they are facing, and what we can do together to help.  It was a powerful day with thoughtful discussions and collaboration.

The group will come together again on April 16 to learn about and evaluate resources in our community and ultimately recommend $10,000 in grant funding to the nonprofit program(s) they feel will best meet the needs of girls in the Fox Valley.  Thank you to all the girls who participated with such enthusiasm and to the Ethel Keller Fund for Women for supporting this program.
Status of Women in Northeast
 Wisconsin Report

The 2017 Report on the Status of Women in  Northeast Wisconsin is a collaboration between the Women's Funds in Fond du Lac, the Fox Valley,  Green Bay and Oshkosh that gives a current and comprehensive picture of the most pressing issues for women and girls in Northeast Wisconsin. We will be featuring highlights from the report throughout the year.

Educational Attainment - Key Findings
  • More than one-quarter (27%) of women in the region have a bachelor's degree or higher. A total of 38% of women in the region have a post-secondary degree when we add in associate's degrees.
  • The major differences in educational attainment levels are found between racial/ethnic groups, not between counties.
  • About 10% of Black and Hispanic women have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 28% of white (not Hispanic) women.
  • 1 out of 5 women has some college experience, but no degree.
  • The most common field of study for women is Arts & Humanities.
  • Educational attainment rates for our region are about the same as those for women statewide.

Join Us!  Coffee Conversation: 
Status of Women in Northeast Wisconsin Report
April 9, 2018 | 7:45 am - 9 am | Community Foundation

Interested in learning more about the findings from the 2017 Status of Women in Northeast Wisconsin Report? Join the Women's Fund, and Executive Director, Becky Boulanger, for a deeper dive into the data included in the report released last fall. 

There is no fee to attend, but space is limited. Reserve early to secure a spot.

Women's Entrepreneurship 
Grant Program Announced

To help support female small business owners in the Appleton-area, Mid-Day Women's Alliance, in collaboration with CAP Services, has created the Fox Cities Women's Entrepreneurship Grant Program (FCWEGP).

This program, through a competitive application process, will provide one local female business owner with a $1,500 grant and over $2,000 in business coaching services and networking opportunities. The application deadline is April 26, 2018 and can be found along with more information at the link below. 

Grant funding for this program is made possible through the Mid-Day Women's Alliance Fund within the Women's Fund.

Money Smart Week Fox Cities
April 201-28, 2018

The mission of Money Smart Week Fox Cities is to promote financial wellness in the Fox Valley area. A showcase of exciting programs and events are held throughout the week. Visit their website or follow them on Facebook for more details.

The Women's Fund is a proud partner of Money Smart Week.


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